The Big Island, or the Island of Hawaii is our first of many destinations. We should be able to see the towering volcanic craters of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea -- the largest mountain of the world if measured from its base below the ocean. On the Big Island, we'll settle into our new home on the beach and await our first adventure!

Traveling inland, we'll explore the Big Island by foot as we venture into Waimanu Valley. Accessible only by foot or boat, we'll enjoy the serenity of isolation as we weave in and out of the hanging valleys and gulches and walk along the black sand beaches created by volcanic ash. As the day gets progressively warmer, we'll take some time to float in a pool below a 1000 foot waterfall to cool off before setting up camp, resting our feet, and taking delight in the time we have together on Hawaii.

Today we will visit the elusive Green Sand beach, tucked away in a cove along the south point of the Big Island. Accessible only by foot, we will hike in with plenty of sunscreen and water to dig our toes into sand owing its teal hue to tiny volcanic olivine crystals.

Perhaps most known for its volcanoes, Hawaii is continuously growing as plates continue to shift along this "hot spot." In Volcanoes National Park, we'll walk along the ancient lava flows of Mauna Loa or Mauna Kea and watch from a safe distance the constant eruptions of Kilauea into the ocean.

Aboard a 36-foot catamaran, we will journey out to the reefs for our first glimpse of the marine life for which Hawaii is known. We will don our snorkel masks and marvel at sea turtles playfully swimming below us. Keep watch for the Ahi -- Hawaiian for "fire" as well as the Mahimahi as it darts by!

We’ll hop aboard a Hawaiian jet for our next destination: Kauai, the "Island of Discovery" as many Hawaiians know it and arrive in time to watch the sunset on our beach campsite.

Now that we have spent time at sea and sand level, it is time to gain some altitude. We’ll hike switchbacks through the forest to the 1,000 foot summit of Sleeping Giant, a mountain known for it’s shape and story. We’ll climb the eastern access up the back of a giant that fell asleep after a large meal, and never woke up. From the top, we’ll be able to view the headwaters of all 7 major rivers of Kauai.

Explore Waimea Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" and get a taste of its history as you pass by sugarcane fields and the shore near Captain Cook's first landing in Hawaii. The sights and sounds will give way to awe and excitement as spectacular views give you a glimpse of your continuing adventure. You will also learn the basics of wilderness travel such as the creation of sensational meals and the importance of Leave No Trace. Camp on the beach each evening and sleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shoreline.

Upon awaking to rainbow-filled skies, we’ll head off to discover some of the watery secrets of Hawaii. We’ll use our paddling skills to travel down the Wailua river, the only navigable river in Hawaii. The river’s fresh water pours down from Mt. Waialeale, the wettest spot on earth. The Wailua will lead us to a hidden trail deep in the lush forest where we can hike to a waterfall that few people know about! Take a natural shower beneath the massage-like pressure of the falls. We’ll also get to hear whispers from the famous blue lagoon from our crafts.

Now is the time to grab a surf board and learn proper surfing techniques from professional guides. After we catch the perfect wave, or at least have fun in the surf while we try, we’ll explore the coastline, set up camp, and feast on fresh Hawaiian fruits while we await a gourmet backcountry dinner, Moondance style.

While enjoying our last day together in the tropics, we will clean our gear, prepare for our departure, exchange telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, and enjoy a traditional Hawaiian feast as we watch one last sunset on this side of paradise.

Our group heads to the airport for farewells. Aloha!